Meet Brittney Abuso | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittney Abuso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittney, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I’m a very proud mom of four-year-old twins, and one of the most important things I’ve done for them is my own personal work around healing and breaking cycles of generational trauma.

Generational trauma refers to the emotional wounds, patterns, and coping mechanisms that are unconsciously passed down from one generation to the next—often originating from experiences of loss, abuse, neglect, systemic oppression, or other forms of unresolved pain. These patterns can shape the way families communicate, manage conflict, express emotion, and connect with one another.

This concept is not only a personal passion of mine but also one of my clinical specialties. In my work with individuals and couples, I focus on helping clients identify these inherited patterns, understand their origins, and learn how to consciously break them so that future generations are not burdened by the same pain.

As both a therapist and a parent, I see this as some of the most meaningful work we can do. For me, the greatest gift I can give my children is doing my own healing—so that I don’t pass down my unresolved experiences or my family’s pain to them.

What should our readers know about your business?
I began my career in community mental health, working with children and families in marginalized and underserved communities. I truly valued that work and the opportunity to make a difference, but I also found it incredibly challenging and emotionally demanding. With large caseloads and limited resources, I often felt I couldn’t make the level of impact I wanted. That experience inspired me to start thinking about how I could create something more intentional and sustainable—something that allowed me to provide quality care while also supporting my own well-being and professional growth.

I don’t come from a business background, so when I decided to open Aspen Counseling, there was a steep learning curve. I leaned heavily on colleagues already in private practice, asked endless questions, and taught myself how to build a business that could meet two important goals: to be financially sustainable and to make therapy more accessible and affordable for those who need it most.

My vision for Aspen Counseling has always been to create a space rooted in inclusivity, safety, and compassion—a place where people can walk in carrying the weight of their pain and stress and leave feeling just a little lighter. Accessibility has remained a central value in my work. I offer reduced-fee options for clients who cannot afford my private pay rate or who do not have insurance, because I firmly believe that money should never stand in the way of healing.

When I thought about who I wanted to serve, I knew I wanted to continue reaching marginalized and underserved populations. It became a personal mission of mine to support first responders and military members, so I pursued additional training to better understand the complex trauma and unique challenges they—and their families—face.

As my practice grew, I also developed a deep passion for working with non-traditional relationship structures and the LGBTQ+ community, including couples practicing polyamory and ethical non-monogamy. While my work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has always centered on relationships, these communities have taught me so much about resilience and the importance of communication and authenticity. Many of the clients I work with have faced discrimination or misrepresentation in seeking support, and I hold deep gratitude and respect for those who have trusted me to be part of their healing and growth.

Something new and exciting for Aspen Counseling is the integration of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) into my practice. This has been such an inspiring and transformative addition to the work I do with clients.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy combines the use of low-dose ketamine—a dissociative anesthetic shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma—with traditional psychotherapy in a carefully guided, therapeutic setting. The ketamine experience helps quiet the brain’s default thought patterns, allowing clients to access deeper levels of insight, emotion, and self-compassion. When integrated with talk therapy, it can support breakthroughs that might otherwise take months or even years to reach.

The results I’ve seen so far have been truly remarkable. Clients who have struggled with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and chronic anxiety are reporting improved mood, emotional regulation, and an increased sense of connection and meaning in their lives.

What excites me most is that the growing research around psychedelic-assisted therapies is opening new doors in mental health treatment. As these modalities continue to evolve, I’m thrilled to be part of this movement toward more holistic, neuroscience-informed, and compassionate approaches to healing. Integrating KAP aligns perfectly with my mission at Aspen Counseling—to offer accessible, evidence-based, and deeply human-centered care that helps people heal at the root, not just manage symptoms.

I’ve now owned and operated Aspen Counseling for nearly seven years. It hasn’t been an easy road—especially with the added complexity of being a military family. Each time we move to a new state, I’ve had to re-establish my practice from the ground up while balancing motherhood and my professional identity. I’m a mom to young children, and learning how to juggle family life and career has been one of my greatest challenges—and accomplishments.

One of the hardest parts of being both a therapist and a business owner is learning to hold space for yourself while holding space for others. The world can feel heavy at times, and there are moments when clients bring in fears or anxieties that I also share as a human being. It takes a great deal of self-awareness, accountability, and personal healing work to continue showing up as my best self for my clients.

What I’m most proud of is that Aspen Counseling is a reflection of everything I believe in—compassion, accessibility, authenticity, and growth. I want people to know that therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating or out of reach; it can be a place of empowerment, connection, and genuine healing for anyone willing to take that first step.

I cherish and hold close to my heart every story, every tear, and every “ah-ha” moment that my clients have shared with me. Each one is a reminder of why I do this work and the privilege it is to walk beside people on their journey toward healing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Colorado is amazing! I’ve been fortunate to live all over the country, but when we decided to move back home, I couldn’t have been happier. The scenery here is unmatched, and the food and local culture are truly some of the best.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to give them a true Colorado experience—one that captures both the natural beauty and the local charm.

We’d definitely spend a day in Estes Park, one of my favorite mountain towns since childhood. It’s full of character, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, and home to one of my favorite spots in the entire state—the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. We’d take a ghost tour, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant, and then spend time exploring the shops and trails nearby. It’s such a special place that perfectly captures the magic of Colorado.

No Colorado trip would be complete without a visit to Casa Bonita. It’s the epitome of childhood nostalgia for me—almost like the Disneyland of Mexican restaurants. There’s cliff diving, bright pink décor, and just a sense of fun that makes everyone feel like a kid again. Since its recent reopening and renovations, it’s been incredible to see the renewed energy and excitement there.

Closer to home, I’d take them to The Lyric in Fort Collins, which is one of my favorite local gems. It’s an inclusive space with independent films, live events, and art displayed all around. It really reflects the creative, community-focused spirit of Northern Colorado—there’s always something unique happening there.

Throughout the week, we’d mix in hikes, local breweries, coffee shops, and time just taking in the mountain views. That’s what makes Colorado so special to me—it’s a place where you can have both adventure and stillness, art and nature, all in one week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my husband and my family. My husband has served in the United States Army for the past ten years, and no matter how busy he’s been serving our country, he has always been my biggest supporter. When I told him I wanted to open my own practice, he encouraged me wholeheartedly and did everything he could to help make it possible.

My family has also played a huge role in my success. We have four-year-old twins, and balancing work and home life—especially when my husband is away—can definitely be challenging. I’m so grateful for the support of my family, who always step in so I can continue showing up for my clients.

My husband and family have been my greatest cheerleaders, and I truly couldn’t do any of this without their love and encouragement.

Website: https://www.aspencounselingp.com

Image Credits
Jen Coet Photography